And God Said….

And God Said,

 "I'll make a woman"

A women of substance, A woman of pride, A woman who is able to put petty things aside. A woman of integrity, A woman of love, A woman who is worthy of the treasures from above, A woman who is genuine, A leader in every way. God said, "I'll make a woman....I'll call her an AKA.

The Legacy...

National Program Initiatives

Program Initiatives Inspired by a dedicated investment of human capital and a bold commitment to the principles of basic human rights, we shall devote our talent and resources to this cause. Awareness, advocacy and action are the primary vehicles for the worldwide delivery of our service initiatives. We invite you to join us on this journey and accept this great mission: Global Leadership through Timeless Service.

Signature Program Initiatives

I. Emerging Young Leaders (EYL) Initiatives ~ This signature program will impact the lives of 10,000 girls in grades six through eight by providing leadership development, civic engagement, enhanced academic preparation and character building. The increasing demands of the twenty-first century mandate our youth to be better leaders at a younger age making smart choices with positive consequences.

II. Health Initiatives ~ These initiatives encourage personal fitness and healthy life styles. We will support organizations which advance access to treatment and coordinate awareness and advocacy campaigns to reduce health disparities, save lives and impact health related legislation. Co-sponsored health forums will address: diseases which disproportionately affect women and minorities, prevention and treatment options. 

   A. Asthma Prevention and Management Initiative ~ This signature health program will benefit children and families enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The goal is early diagnosis, treatment awareness and parental education and advocacy. 

   B. Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability ~ This initiative, through community forums and activities, promotes strategies and awareness campaigns to encourage energy efficiency, conservation, eco-living, reforestation, urban gardening, education and empowerment of consumers with limited resources, “go green-living green” eco-tourism, opportunities for women owned businesses, environmental zones in urban communities and advocacy for and legislation related to public health and environmental justice. 

III. Global Poverty ~ The goals for this initiative are to end hunger, preserve the environment and empower women. The program will provide food production skills and training in self-reliance through gifts of seeds, livestock and training in environmentally sound agriculture. Education in sustainable food practices will make women equal partners in ending poverty and hunger. Alpha Kappa Alpha will continue its membership and consultative status with UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization). We have global partners for self-help projects and awareness campaigns within the United States and abroad.

IV. Economic Security Initiative ~ This effort expands the current programs related to wealth building and allocation of resources, home ownership, estate planning, support and empowerment of female owned businesses and urban enterprise zones.

V. Social Justice and Human Rights Initiative ~ These initiatives will address gender equality issues including: human trafficking and domestic violence, services for children with incarcerated parents, youth aging out of foster care and children in homeless shelters. Voter empowerment; access to technology; training of parents as advocates for educational and health care needs of children and support of the arts will be emphasized.

VI. Internal Leadership Training for External Service Initiative ~ This initiative will afford Alpha Kappa Alpha members leadership training at all levels within the organization. It will serve as a catalyst for members to reach their fullest potential as skilled leaders in service to Alpha Kappa Alpha and other organizations and institutions.

The History & Mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA) is an international service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-lettered organization established by African-American college-educated women. Alpha Kappa Alpha is comprised of a nucleus of 260,000 members in graduate and undergraduate chapters in the United States, the U. S. Virgin Islands, the Caribbean, Canada, Japan, Germany, Korea and on the continent of Africa. Its membership is comprised of distinguished women who boast excellent academic records, proven leadership skills, and are involved in the global community through advocacy and service.  Alpha Kappa Alpha has dedicated itself to improving the quality of life for citizens worldwide and promoting peace. The small group of women who organized the Sorority was conscious of a privileged position as college-trained women of color, just one generation removed from slavery. They were resolute that their college experiences should be as meaningful and productive as possible. Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded to apply that determination; however, its influence extends beyond campus quads and student interest. It has a legacy of service that deepens, rather than ends, with college graduation. The goals of its program activities center on significant issues in families, communities, government halls and world assembly chambers. Its efforts constitute a priceless part of the global experience in the 21st century. Since its founding over a century ago, Alpha Kappa Alpha’s mission has been to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of “Service to All Mankind.”

The Beta Pi Story

In the beginning...

Beta Pi was organized in January 1937 and granted charter on February 6, 1938. There were extreme difficulties faced by the Beta Nu Omega Chapter in the establishment of Beta Pi, because Alabama State College was raided as "B" class by the American Association of Colleges and Universities, and Alpha Kappa Alpha, at the time only recognized the "A" rated colleges.

Upon the election of Supreme Basileus Margarent Davis Bowen, at the 1936 Boule in Louisville, Kentucky, permission was granted to establish an Ivyette Club with the understanding that these students would serve as a neuleus for the anticipated undergraduate chapter. Members of the Ivyette Club were Emma Bynum (deceased, summer 1940), Mildred Harper, Hazel Todd, Lillian Taylor, Ruth Hawkins, Bessie Ball, Gertrude Grayson, Gladys Alexander, Winona Nicholson, Lucille Finley, Natalie Davis, and Etta Mae Smiley (deceased, spring 1938).

At the 1937 Boule in New Orleans, permission was granted to establish the undergraduate chapter for the Alabama State College: namely, Beta Pi, and Soror Portia L. Trenholm was elected as South Eastern Regional Director. It was with much pride that the first chapter set up by Soror Portia Trenholm was Beta Pi.

Beta Pi Chapter was established approximately January, 1938 with Nancy Mildred Harper as its first basileus. Of the original Ivyette Club, the following young women became the charter members: Emma Bynum, Natalie Alfreda Davis, Ruth Hawkins, Blanche Brooks Hill, Nancy Mildred Harper Nilon, Doris Reynolds Parker, Etta Mae Smiley, and Lillian Mathilde Taylor.